NHTSA Revives Data Requests for Replaceable Vehicle Light Bulbs
Published Date: 4/8/2026
Notice
Summary
NHTSA wants to bring back a rule that asks companies to share info about the size and shape of replaceable light bulbs in vehicles. This helps keep car lights safe and working right. If you’re a company making or selling these bulbs, you’ll need to keep providing this info, and the public can comment until June 8, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Submit bulb specs 60 days before production
If you manufacture replaceable vehicle light sources, you must submit dimensional, electrical, and marking/designation information to NHTSA not later than 60 days before beginning manufacture. The specific information required is listed in Appendices A and B of 49 CFR part 564 and is used as the basis for certification under FMVSS No. 108.
Paperwork burden: 4 hours, $217.52
NHTSA estimates it will receive about one submission per year, and that compiling and submitting the required information takes about 4 hours per submission. The agency estimates an average hourly labor compensation of $54.38, for an estimated labor cost of $217.52 per submission (about $217.52 per year).
Submitted specs placed in public docket
After a short completeness review, NHTSA places submitted replaceable light source information in a public docket for use by any person who wants to manufacture replacement headlamp light sources. The public docket information is used to determine interchangeability and to support certification that replacement sources comply with the dimensional and performance criteria.
OMB reinstatement sought; 3-year approval requested
NHTSA is requesting reinstatement of OMB Control Number 2127-0563 and requests that OMB approve the information collection with an expiration date of 3 years from the date of approval. NHTSA is seeking public comments on this reinstatement, with comments due by June 8, 2026.
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